Zak,
They made improvements AND reduced the price by $100. So it was originally overpriced. Now not so much.
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| Author: | cgal_1 [ Sun Sep 21, 2008 4:59 am ] |
| Post subject: | Fret slotting systems |
Has anyone got any preferences on which fret slotting system to buy? I have looked at the stew mac and luthiers mercantile ones. Are there any others? As well as guitars and mandolins, I am looking to make an octave mandolin with a scale length of 515 to 540 mm. I understand that a guitar template can be used by starting further up the template, can anyone suggest which template is most suitable ( I intend buying a Martin 25.4" anyway) |
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| Author: | Martin Turner [ Sun Sep 21, 2008 6:30 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Fret slotting systems |
My fret slotting system....I try and keep it sismple...a spreadsheet with calculated slot positions, a steel ruler and a scalpel. Works for any scale length. Cheers Martin |
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| Author: | Colin S [ Sun Sep 21, 2008 6:41 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Fret slotting systems |
I've always used the Stew Mac mitre box and saw, I know there are more sophisticated systems out there, as well as table saw methods. But if you just intend to do a few instruments then the Stew Mac one will work just fine after 30 or more FBs I still have no desire to 'upgrade'. Colin |
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| Author: | JJ Donohue [ Sun Sep 21, 2008 7:03 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Fret slotting systems |
I upgraded to the table saw method using Shane's blade and after 2 years, I'm very happy with the method. I use the 25.4/24.9 metal slotting template ... I believe I bought it from StuMac. |
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| Author: | Don Williams [ Sun Sep 21, 2008 7:31 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Fret slotting systems |
I've used the LMI power slotting setup for years, and love it. I've never had any intonation issues, and it works quickly and flawlessly. |
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| Author: | zac_in_ak [ Sun Sep 21, 2008 10:32 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Fret slotting systems |
LMI just redesigned their manual system looks nice still a bit spendy...http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/thirdproducts.asp?CategoryName=Fretting&NameProdHeader=Manual+Slotting+System |
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| Author: | Mike Collins [ Sun Sep 21, 2008 1:46 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Fret slotting systems |
I use Lmii & Stew Mac templates but with Shane's blade. His is just slightly wider and is less apt to cause a wedge affect on the neck by the frets being a bit tight! I made a plywood sled for my old 9" sears saw & that's all i use it for!! Perfect slots everytime!! I got tired of cutting by hand after guitar # 90-took me 30 minutes to do it right-I can slot 15 boards now in the same time with much more precise slots!! mike |
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| Author: | Wes McMillian [ Sun Sep 21, 2008 2:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Fret slotting systems |
Same here, Shane's blade with a simple homemade sled on a dedicated little table saw in the corner of my shop. The template was made from 1/4" stainless cut on a digital endmill, so it's dead-on accurate. |
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| Author: | Howard Klepper [ Sun Sep 21, 2008 5:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Fret slotting systems |
LMI's power system for the past 7 years, no problems. I think that metal templates will be more temperature sensitive than the Lexan LMI uses; not sure if the amount of expansion /contraction is significant. |
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| Author: | Terry Stowell [ Sun Sep 21, 2008 6:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Fret slotting systems |
Zak, They made improvements AND reduced the price by $100. So it was originally overpriced. Now not so much.
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| Author: | Chris Oliver [ Sun Sep 21, 2008 9:06 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Fret slotting systems |
Here is a tutorial on building a fret sled and slotting the fret board using the Stew-Mac template. http://infinityluthiers.com/tutFretSled.php |
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| Author: | Terence Kennedy [ Sun Sep 21, 2008 11:32 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Fret slotting systems |
I've been very happy with the LMI system. I made the table saw sled described by Sylvan Wells. Terry |
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| Author: | Billy T [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 12:33 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Fret slotting systems |
Howard Klepper wrote: LMI's power system for the past 7 years, no problems. I think that metal templates will be more temperature sensitive than the Lexan LMI uses; not sure if the amount of expansion /contraction is significant. Wood(Oak & Pine)- 0.0000027 in/in/deg F Steel - 0.0000073 Polycarbonate - 0.0000375 Polycarbonate(Lexan) has substantially more expansion. Thermal difference of 40º/18in fretboard. Wood- .0019 Steel - .0053 Lexan- .0266 I'm amazed the wood coefficient is so small. |
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| Author: | zac_in_ak [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 12:36 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Fret slotting systems |
Billy T wrote: Howard Klepper wrote: LMI's power system for the past 7 years, no problems. I think that metal templates will be more temperature sensitive than the Lexan LMI uses; not sure if the amount of expansion /contraction is significant. Wood(Oak & Pine)- 0.0000027 in/in/deg F Steel - 0.0000073 Polycarbonate - 0.0000375 Polycarbonate(Lexan) has substantially more expansion. Thermal difference of 40º/18in fretboard. Wood- .0019 Steel - .0053 Lexan- .0266 I'm amazed the wood coefficient is so small. but I bet if we take into account the humidity affect on the wood the other 2 end up much more stable |
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